The Texas Lawbook: What are the biggest challenges facing legal aid organizations and pro bono legal service groups today, and how can lawyers help meet those challenges?
Daniel Andrews: Probably money and volunteers. If you have the time, I encourage all lawyers to volunteer with whatever pro bono organizations are in their area. If an insurance defense lawyer can provide advice at these clinics, you can, too. If you don’t have the time, I encourage you donate to local legal services organizations.
Lawbook: What are the critical factors you consider when deciding about hiring outside counsel, and what are the biggest mistakes that outside counsel make in their relationship with in-house counsel?
Andrews: I look for a proven track record of success at trial and experience in the specialties we are looking for. I think the biggest mistake is lack of responsiveness. It’s very frustrating when I have a report due and I have asked our counsel for information and several days go by without a response of any kind. Even if you are in trial, email me back and let me know you’ll have the answer in a couple of days, but don’t ignore my email.
Lawbook: What does outside counsel need to know about you?
Andrews: I like to get clear opinions, not hedged responses. We need to know what you as the trial attorney believe the case is worth, and being wishy-washy doesn’t help us.
Lawbook: What am I not asking that I should be asking?
Andrews: What do you like the most about being a lawyer? Good question. I enjoy learning about a broad range of topics. I know a lot about anatomy and injuries because of the auto accident cases I’ve handled. I also know a good amount about construction, and a little about many other topics that have come up in lawsuits over the years.